Council backs move on new Utica police staffing

The Common Council Public Safety Committee Tuesday night agreed to temporarily increase the Utica Police Department's staffing by five members.

It will cost the city approximately $150,000 for the additional positions, city Budget Director Tony Arcuri said. The money will come from the city's fund balance from the previous budget year.

Several officers are anticipated to retire in January.

The city hired above the department's designated staffing level to be prepared for the potential departures of senior officers, city officials said.